Several New York Jets players and coaches are reacting to the comments made Thursday by Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton which criticized Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Jets running back Breece Hall is the latest player to defend his coach.

Earlier today, Payton's comments went viral for calling the Broncos coaching in 2022 “one of the worst coaching jobs in the history of the NFL.”

Sean Payton recently took over as Broncos head coach after retiring from the New Orleans Saints following the 2021 season. Hackett coached the Broncos in 2022, but was fired before the end of the season after leading the Broncos to just a 4-11 record and Russell Wilson's disastrous start in Denver.

For our ranking of the top 10 QBs in the NFL entering the 2023 season, including Aaron Rodgers, listen below:

Still, Jets players are standing up for their new offensive coordinator. Breece Hall is not taking Payton seriously, having replied to the buzz amid Payton's comments with a simple one word tweet that said, “lol.”

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, is shown as he speaks during a press conference, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Glenn spoke about not just getting the Jets to a winning record but to sustain them as a championship caliber team.
Aaron Rodgers’ ouster a sign of things to come for JetsMike Gianakos ·
Isaiah Davis, Jets
2 Jets hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand watches practice at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand gives 5 keys offense is ‘shooting for’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
‘Great’ take by Jets’ Justin Fields will have Bears, Steelers fans raising eyebrowsDouglas Fritz ·
jets, Arian Smith
1 New York Jets rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicamp’Garrett Kerman ·

https://twitter.com/BreeceH/status/1684628134480457730?s=20

Head coach Robert Saleh and offensive lineman Billy Turner have also spoken out in defense of their offensive coordinator. Nathaniel Hackett himself has yet to issue a response.

Despite Hackett's unsuccessful stint with the Broncos, he has been a pretty successful offensive coordinator throughout his career. He helped lead the Jacksonville Jaguars to a conference championship game appearance with Blake Bortles at quarterback, and was the offensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers when Aaron Rodgers had back-to-back MVP seasons.

During Hackett's OC tenure in Green Bay, they also had three consecutive 13 win seasons. After Hackett left, the Packers had their first losing season since before his arrival. Given the successful tandem of Rodgers and Hackett, it's no surprise that the Jets hired him amidst the trade for Rodgers.